The Château de Fontainebleau is a medieval castle located 55km southeast of the centre of Paris. It has been established as a UNESCO world heritage site. Royal monarchs have occupied this grand architectural palace for centuries. Beautiful, magical and complex in renaissance style, Bridgeman’s images of Fontainebleau are unquestionably unique. Fontainebleau consists of many grand departments including royal bedrooms, such as that of Marie de Medici and Empress Eugenie. There are also a series of galleries within the complex, including the gallery of Diana which was designed as a promenade for the queen under Henry IV’s rule.
Napoleon I’s bedroom and ballroom are all exquisitely designed. The ballroom has a variety of frescoes painted upon its walls by mannerist Italian painter Niccolo dell ’Abate. These images display the exterior of Fontainebleau and the palaces interior of architectural and artistic delights.
The large staircase of Fontainebleau is curved in design, resembling elements of Royalty. The stairs are centered at the front of the buildings facade. The stairs are an architectural feature linked to the grandeur characteristic of renaissance architecture.
The ancient prisons of Fontainebleau are made entirely out of brick, forming an oval passageway. This image shows the bleak darkness of these passageways which resembles the eeriness of the previous prison quarters.
The Facade of Château de Fontainebleau is filled with a series of windows, symmetrical to one another. The bricks are a cream colour which create a very light classical appearance. The roof is coloured grey.
Sculpture can be seen across the royal palace of Fontainebleau, classical and organic in style. This effeminate masculine body is beautifully carved and appears idealized in its body contouring. The royal arms above the sculpture's head links into the prestigious royal atmosphere of the Fontainebleau residence.
A Golden Eagle stands proudly at the top of Fontainebleau, contrasting in this image against the brilliant blue sky. The sculpture itself is reminiscent of a connection to the spiritual world. The details of the carvings among the eagle are full of intricate small patterns. Lifelike in depiction, the gold eagle constitutes notions of power and significant wealth.
The Engraving from the door of Marie - Antoinette’s bedroom depicting the Muses by Jean-Francois Beauvais (1772) is beautiful and elegant in style. Two women play harmonies with instruments. Their arms clutching on to the instruments create a sense of dynamism. The figures are idealized and graceful. Marie Antoinette was the last queen of France before the French revolution.
The Boudoir of Marie - Antoinette - Marie was born an Austrian Princess! This photograph shows bright sunlight in Marie's boudoir. A huge mirror reflects a grand chandelier. Classical sculptures are carved into the walls. The walls have painted decorative coats of arms on them too. This room exquisitely portrays royalty.
A Fresco on the walls of the palace - This fresco is figurative and beautiful. Framed with gold, its royal connotations are embedded.
Oil painting from a series of the Four Seasons in the Salle du Conseil - This painting by French painter Francois Boucher is reminiscent of the heavens above. Clouds swirl in the sky, babies dance in unison around a wreath of grapes and flowers. This painting radiates harmony and love.
The Grand Entrance to Fontainebleau has elaborate gold details. The gold against the black fence contrasts well.
Read more about French art and museums
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Antoinette
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Fontainebleau